The IELTS speaking examination is not simply an average discussion but a structured interview with an examiner. IELTS coaching is the best way to achieve good results on your IELTS exam.
The entire examination is recorded, but you shouldn’t be concerned because the tape is used to evaluate the examiner, not you.
This section of the test lasts 11 to 14 minutes and is divided into three parts:
Part 1 consists of you answering questions on familiar themes (your family life, work or study, and interests).
Part 2 gives you one minute to prepare a topic and one to two minutes to speak about it. The examiner will not interrupt you when you have completed speaking but will ask you a few questions.
Part 3 consists of a conversation with the examiner about more abstract concepts connected to your speech from Part 2.
Because the speaking test is so difficult, you may hear things about it that aren’t true. You will be even more likely to obtain a maximum mark if you appreciate why these claims are wrong.
- The speaking portion of the exam is the simplest.
Because the examiners are pleasant, this section may appear to be simple. It may seem that you have someone helping you with this section since you’ll be on your own for the rest of the exam.
However, the examiner must adhere to extremely tight criteria to ensure impartiality. They assess all candidates using the same set of standards.
The fact is that all four sub-tests of the same difficulty level. However, depending on your language abilities, you may find one section of the exam easier than others.
- To earn a good score, you must have a native-like accent.
Your accent is not a factor for assessment. Although your pronunciation will be graded, you will not be required to have a natural accent.
While evaluating their pronunciation, examiners focus on the applicants’ pronunciation of particular consonants, word stress, and intonation.
You can ensure that your pronunciation is correct by verifying the pronunciation of each new word as you learn it. This function is available in online dictionaries. To hear the word accurately spoken, click on the small speaker indicator.
An accent may also be addressed by reading aloud or mimicking native speaking and urging someone to modify your intonation. If you don’t know anyone native speakers, you may sometimes find English lessons digitally.
The fact is that just your pronunciation is examined, not your accent.
- Avoid using complex grammatical constructs if you are unsure if they are accurate.
It’s preferable to try complicated grammatical structures and make a few blunders than to utilize relatively basic phrases.
A candidate who only speaks in short, straightforward sentences, for example, will receive a lower score than a candidate who attempts to employ a conditional clause, even if they make some mistakes. Of course, only complicated grammatical constructs that truly reflect what you wish to communicate should be used.
The following are some instances of complicated grammatical structures:
Conditional clauses: If I had the opportunity to study a new topic, I would most likely choose astronomy.
Time constraints: I’ll relocate to Australia as soon as I finish my IELTS exam.
Reported speech: My friend promised to assist me in studying for this exam.
Modal verbs: She may have come by now, according to the modal verbs.
So, when you master the grammatical rules, don’t be scared to try them out in conversation. When practicing, record yourself and then attentively listen to yourself. Make a list of the grammar errors you hear yourself making so you may improve your use of language when speaking.
The truth: The fact is that using complicated grammatical structures with a few errors is preferable to using solely short, straightforward phrases.
- You cannot receive a good score if you do not know the answer to a question.
This exam does not assess your knowledge of specific topics. Examiners are more concerned with how you express things than with what you say.
Keep in mind that there is no right or incorrect answer. If you’re asked, “How do teens have fun in your country?” You can explain why you don’t know if you don’t know what to say. You may say something like:
“I’m not sure I can fully answer the question because I’m no longer a youngster, “However, I could explain how I also had a good time. as a teenager.” I expect things to have changed significantly because…”
Examiners can see that you are capable of talking and providing responses even when you are not comfortable.
The reality is if you don’t know the answer to a question, explain why. There is no “correct” or “incorrect” solution.
- When preparing for Part 2, always take notes.
You may wish to take notes, but it is sometimes preferable to think about it. You have one minute to get ready. You may lose valuable thinking time if you spend that time writing.
Any theme sheet has some suggestions for something you should implement., so plan your speech around these ideas. Spend that minute considering concise responses to each sub-question.
Once you have a concise response to your thoughts, You will be able to elaborate on it when speaking by giving examples and describing how the answers apply to you. Most people have no trouble talking about themselves because it is a subject they are familiar with.
You might wish to jot down some ideas. But because you only have one minute, you might be better off just thinking about the issue in part 2.
- You’ll perform well if you have excellent grammatical skills.
Grammar is simply one of four evaluation variables used to determine your score on the English subject. Fluency and organization, lexical capacity (word recognition range), and sound are the others.
They are all equally significant. So, if you excel at grammar, one-fourth of your total score will undoubtedly be high. However, if you want a good overall score, you must also demonstrate a wide vocabulary variety. You’ll do well here if you can utilize many words to describe what you want to say accurately.
You’ll also need to be good at pronouncing words. This pertains to your ability to accurately enunciate individual sounds and employ suitable intonation and word emphasis.
You must also be fluent and coherent, which means you must be able to talk clearly and link your thoughts rationally.
Here are several connections to help you structure your speech in an orderly manner:
- First and foremost, secondly, and last but not least,
- Furthermore, additionally, additionally.
- As a consequence, as a result.
- to, as a result of, as a result of
The truth: The fact is that the speaking test has four assessment criteria: (1) grammatical range and correctness; (2) smoothness and consistency; (3) vocabulary richness; and (4) accent.
- You’ll create a favorable impression if you don’t pause when speaking.
Coherence is as crucial as fluency (being logical, making sense). Avoiding hesitating is a fantastic suggestion, but you must also make your response rational and planned.
You are fluent but not coherent if you keep talking and talking without making any sense. The overall impression will be negative.
However, keep in mind that some hesitancy is natural. It is not acceptable to talk without first inhaling or thinking. To make your hesitations sound more natural, try any of these filler phrases:
- To put it another way…
- So, what do you call it…
- Wait a minute…
- I’ve got it right here.
- Well…
- As you can see…
The fact is that fluency (speaking easily and without hesitation) will not generate a favourable impression. You must also be able to talk clearly (logically, organized).
- Even if you don’t understand a question, you should answer it.
If you don’t remember a problem, you can ask the tester to repeat it or phrase it differently. The following statements would be best to use:
I’m not sure what you’re saying. Could you maybe rephrase the question?
Your statement doesn’t make sense to me. Could you repeat your question for me?
Clarifying a question is important before answering. They will not lose additional scores for using it. Still, suppose you ask the examiner to repeat every question. In that case, the examiner may believe you have a problem comprehending spoken English, and you will receive a lower score.
The truth: The fact is that if you don’t understand a question, you should clarify it.
- You are not required to complete all of the tasks in section 2.
You will be asked four questions about a major topic during part two.
You must truly speak about all of the questions and devote roughly equal time to each.
Suppose you have four research questions on the particular subject card. In that case, you should spend around 30 seconds on each query for two mins discussion.
You’ll learn how long 2 minutes are and when it’s time to move on to the next topic.
You must complete all the questions in Part 2 within the time limit.
- If students run out of options in Part 3, go back to review topics throughout Part 2.
Part 3 tests your ability to deviate from Part 2 and discuss more abstract ideas on broad themes of interest. You must be able to articulate things thoroughly, compare and contrast concepts, synthesize, and draw conclusions. So reiterating your thoughts from Part 2 is unlikely to solve the problems in Part 3.
Here are some sentences you might use in this (and other) areas of the test:
Expressing one’s thoughts:
- As far as I am concerned,
- What I believe is as follows:
- I have a strong belief…
- From where I am,
Contrasting and comparing:
- On the one hand…, on the other…
- While…
- …whereas…
- Both…
- Similarly,…
Making a decision:
- The bottom line…
- To put it briefly,
- In conclusion,
- To summarise,
The fact is that Part 3 requires you to address more complex topics with the examiner. Therefore, rehashing your thoughts from Part 2 is unlikely to respond.
This section will become much clearer if you grasp what you require on the IELTS speaking exam. One can already better get ready for both the big day!
